Millis rallies behind injured high school student

Friday, Feb. 22 started out as any other day on the slopes for 17-year-old Taylor Sack, when he joined a group of friends for some skiing at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton to wrap up vacation week.

By Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

By Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff

Posted Mar. 6, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 6, 2013 at 6:04 AM

By Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff

Posted Mar. 6, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 6, 2013 at 6:04 AM

MILLIS

» Social News

Friday, Feb. 22 started out as any other day on the slopes for 17-year-old Taylor Sack, when he joined a group of friends for some skiing at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton to wrap up vacation week.

But the daytrip turned horrific when Sack’s skis caught an edge, causing him to lose control and strike a tree off the side of the trail.

"He suffered a spinal cord injury, and he’s currently paralyzed from the chest-line down," said Katie O’Connell, whose daughter, April, has dated Sack for several years and was with him during the accident.

Sack, a junior and standout athlete at Millis High School, underwent surgery at Boston Medical Center about a week ago, and on Wednesday he will be transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta – one of the top rehabilitation facilities in the country.

Sack was previously voted to be a captain for the Millis-Hopedale football team for next season.

"The surgery went well, but this type of injury is very complicated. Only time will tell (if he will walk again)," O’Connell said. "This is the best facility for his injury and age."

Sack on Saturday posted on a Facebook page "Pray for Taylor" that he still has full movement of his arms and can occasionally feel mild pressure in his legs.

The community is rallying behind Sack and his parents, Clay and Stacie Sack, and friends and neighbors have launched several fundraisers in hopes of making his recovery somewhat easier.

"The family has to pay for the medical flight to get him there, and insurance covers some things, but it doesn’t cover everything," said O’Connell. "His mom will move down there, and his dad will go back and forth."

On Saturday, O’Connell will lead a benefit Ryde-a-thon at H.Y.P., 120 N. Meadows Road in Medfield, an indoor cycling and yoga studio. Riders will form teams and take turns cycling from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. to raise money for Sack’s medical expenses.

O’Connell said April and Sack’s family have been with him around the clock, and the fundraiser is the best way she can help make a difference for him.

"He’s very bright and strong and kind, thoughtful, a hard worker and athlete, and he has a really good attitude right now. He really believes he will heal, but his healing won’t happen overnight," O’Connell said. "He’s going to fight to get better, and hopefully walk again."

Spots are still available for those interested in participating in the Ryde-a-thon. Contact O’Connell at katie.oconnell@verizon.net or 508-269-4401 for more information.

On Saturday, March 16, Ryan Family Amusements (1170 Main St. in Millis) will host a fundraiser from 8 to 11 p.m. People can bowl for $10 per person, and half the proceeds will go to the Sack family.

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A 5-kilometer run, Strides for Sack, will also be held on March 17 at 9 a.m. starting at the Veteran’s Memorial Gymnasium (900 Main St. in Millis), where registration will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 16.

Checks payable to the Sack family can also be sent to Katie O’Connell, at 106 Forest Road, Millis, MA 02054, and donations can also be made at any Middlesex Saving Bank under the account Sacks Family Support Fund.

Jessica Trufant can be reached at 508-634-7556 or JTrufant@wickedlocal.com.